Waukee CSD Announces New Leadership Hires
With a mix of new and familiar faces, Waukee CSD is excited to announce three recent leadership hires to schools in our District.
Radiant Principal Suvada Kuburas
Suvada Kuburas will join our District as the new principal of Radiant Elementary. Kuburas will transition into her position on July 1 and work closely with Dr. Kim Tierney to ensure a smooth and steady transition.
“My goals for next year will be to listen, learn, and connect. Ultimately, I want to lead in a way that cultivates a space where students, families, and staff feel a strong sense of belonging, are inspired to be here, and experience both academic and personal success,” Kuburas says.
Kuburas shares that she moved to the United States from Bosnia when she was young and started kindergarten without knowing any English.
“It’s a perspective I carry with me as a school leader,” she adds.
Kuburas lives near Radiant and is excited to lead in, learn from, and contribute to the community where she lives.
“I’m already impressed by the educators in Waukee CSD. I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of welcome and kindness from fellow leaders and Radiant staff. I think it reflects the human-centered culture that Waukee has worked hard to create, and I feel honored to get to be a part of it.”
During her free time, Kuburas enjoys sitting on the patio, reading a good book, and sharing coffee with friends and family. But she probably doesn’t have much free time as she and her fiancé raise their 9-month-old little girl.
Timberline Principal Alexandra Lancaster
Pending board approval, Alexandra Lancaster will take the reins as principal at Timberline Middle School. She currently serves as the associate principal at Waukee High School. Under her leadership, Timberline will transition from an 8th-9th-grade building to a space that educates 6th-8th-grade students.
“I love to have fun while having high expectations for everyone, including myself. I like to keep the energy up, celebrate what’s going well, and make sure that while we’re working hard, we’re also enjoying ourselves,” Lancaster shares.
She adds that she wants to make sure all students get a sense of belonging on day one.
“Timberline’s shift to a 6-8 building is such a unique chance to build something special from the ground up. I can’t wait to dive in with staff, get to know our new students, and create a welcoming, connected culture where every kid and staff member feels like they belong. Plus, middle schoolers keep you on your toes, and I’m ready for the energy, questions, and the occasional eye roll.”
Lancaster and her husband, Joe, recently moved back to Waukee. They have three young boys who will all attend a Waukee CSD elementary school in the fall.
Northwest High School Activities Director Justin Ohl
Pending board approval, Justin Ohl is being promoted to Northwest High School activities director. He is a familiar face to Waukee CSD, since he currently serves as the assistant activities director.
“I feel that we have a great foundation of success at Northwest, and we will work extremely hard to continue to build on the success that we have established,” Ohl says.
Ohl is originally from Mason City and played college basketball at Drake University. He later became a graduate assistant and, eventually, a full-time assistant coach for seven years.
“I am excited for so many things next year, but I think the thing I am looking forward to the most is watching our students perform in their activities. Our students put in so many hours in preparation for a game, musical, concert, or competition, and to see them achieve their goals is such a great feeling.”
Ohl says one of his goals is to continue building student engagement in all activities and enhance student leadership skills.
Ohl and his wife, Haley, will celebrate their 20th anniversary this summer. The pair has a daughter in 8th grade and a son in 5th grade within our District.
